Year 2023 - 2024
This academic year marks the 84th Anniversary of the 16th Hong Kong Group since its establishment in June 1940. We are proud to have set up four sections to cater to members across different age groups, namely the Grasshopper Ring, Cub Pack, Scout Troop, and Venture Scout Unit.
Footdrill Triumph: Making History
On 24 September 2023, our footdrill team, composed of 16 scouts and venture scouts, competed in the regional footdrill competition at Hong Kong Sea School. After three months of intensive training during the scorching summer, our team achieved the 1st runner-up position—the best result in our footdrill history. Additionally, our group entered four teams in the regional flag-raising competition, securing overall Champion, 1st runner-up, and 2nd runner-up among seven competing teams. Heartfelt congratulations to all participating scouts, supporting members, and leaders!
Global Adventures: Scouts Explore Iceland
Our group encourages members to engage in overseas activities to broaden their horizons. From 10 to 23 July, 2024, eight scouts participated in the Icelandic Jamboree at the Úlfljótsvatn Scout Centre in Iceland. They experienced a variety of outdoor activities and international exchange program at the campsite. Following eight days of wild camping, our leaders, Mr. Samuel WU and Mr. Steven SO, guided the scouts on a post-trip exploration of Iceland, visiting key attractions such as Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Beach, and Dyrholaey. Traveling abroad with their scouting peers and leaders provided invaluable experiences, especially during a memorable cold summer holiday!
Venture Scouts Shine in Territory-Wide Competition
Beyond the Carlton Trophy, our Venture Scouts excelled in the territory-wide Venture Scout Competition. This year’s competition included three challenging segments: Wilderness Challenge on 13 – 14 April 2024, Event Planning on 30 June 2024, and Team Intelligence on 4 August 2024. A team of seven Venture Scouts participated and proudly secured the overall 1st runner-up position, along with eight individual prizes. Congratulations to our outstanding Venture Scouts!
Group Council
In January 2010, the Group Council was established with the ultimate aim of providing support and guidance for the development of our Group. Comprised of dedicated individuals, the Council members have generously contributed their time and resources to oversee the Group's operations. Their valuable support, both in terms of finance and human resources, has been instrumental in our growth and success. We are immensely grateful for their unwavering generosity and contribution.
Honoring Tradition: Reunions and Recognition at Our Group Gathering
Beyond their involvement in the Council’s affairs, members who graduated between the 1950s and the 1990s have played a significant role in fostering connections between different generations. The Council has served as a bridge, facilitating numerous reunions that have brought together scouts from various eras. This has been evident in the increasing number of Council members who have joined our ranks.
To enhance the bond between old scouts, school authorities, and our front-line leaders, the Group Council organized a gathering on 9 September 2023. We were honored to welcome our Supervisor, Rev. Fr. Matthew CHAN, and the Principal of the Secondary School section, Dr. Victor YICK, to the event. During the evening, our front-line leaders shared the latest updates about our Group with the attendees and celebrated Rev. Fr. CHAN’s birthday. It was a delightful night filled with joy, connection, and shared memories!
Cub Scout Pack
Cub Scout Pack is committed to fostering the holistic development of primary section children, specifically those in grades Primary 3 to 6. Our comprehensive program focuses on nurturing their physical, mental, and spiritual growth. Throughout the academic year, we have organized a wide range of activities and achieved remarkable milestones that highlight our dedication to providing a well-rounded experience for our Cub Scouts.
Grasshopper Scout Ring
The Grasshopper Ring is set up with an aim of serving the Primary 1 to 2 students of St Louis School (Primary Section) and enabling them to learn the rules and discipline through regular meetings, trainings and outdoor adventures.
Due to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been suspended all scouting activities of the Grasshopper Ring. We will navigate these difficult times and emerge stronger as a scouting community, ready to continue our mission of nurturing young minds and fostering character development through scouting.
A Year of Exciting Achievements
Our Cub Scout Pack is passionately committed to nurturing the all-around growth of children in primary sections, specifically those in Primary 3 to 6. Our vibrant programs are designed to foster their physical, mental, and spiritual development, ensuring each Scout blossoms into a well-rounded individual. Guided by our enthusiastic leaders, our Pack held regular meetings every Saturday afternoon. These lively gatherings featured interactive games, essential scouting and life skills training, and creative arts and crafts projects. This year, we proudly welcomed 24 members into our vibrant Cub Scout community.
Scout Troop
Activities of the Scout Troop are aimed at young people aged 11 to 16, mainly Secondary 1 to 3 students, to provide them with challenging and progressive training programs for their physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, and aesthetic development. This year, our Troop consisted of over 80 scouts, and our devoted leaders dedicated much of their leisure time to organizing games, training sessions, and meetings for our youth members.
Adventures in the Great Outdoors
Beyond our regular meetings, our Pack organized numerous outdoor events to ignite our Cub Scouts’ spirit of exploration and adventure. In December 2023, we embarked on an exhilarating hiking expedition at Braemar Hill. In February 2024, our Scouts took part in a meaningful mountain cleanup service at Mount Davis. Additionally, eight of our Cub Scouts enjoyed a memorable three-day wild camp alongside the scout troop at Pak Sha Wan T.W.C. Sea Activity Centre during the Lunar New Year holidays.
Celebrating Outstanding Achievements
We are thrilled to announce that our Pack has been honored with the Distinguished Group Award this year, a testament to our dedication and commitment to creating a nurturing and engaging environment for our Cub Scouts. Furthermore, we proudly celebrate five of our Scouts who have earned the prestigious Golden Bauhinia Award, the highest honor a Cub Scout can achieve. Their remarkable dedication and perseverance truly set them apart.
Building Leadership: Induction Camp Success
To strengthen the bonds within the Patrol Leader Council, we organized an induction camp on 16 – 17 September 2023, at Wu Kai Sha Youth Village. This event welcomed newly appointed Assistant Patrol Leaders, Patrol Leaders, and Senior Patrol Leaders. The camp featured a variety of games and team-building activities, including an early morning challenge where all participants collaborated to prepare an all-day breakfast for members and leaders. Through the “Overcook” challenge, everyone demonstrated exceptional teamwork and successfully completed their tasks. Kudos to our leaders and scouts for their outstanding teamwork!
Venture Scout Unit
Operating under a constitution, our Venture Scout Unit shares similarities with other school associations. Our motto, “Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained” reflects the ethos of our unit. Members are entrusted with the planning and management of their own activities, both internal and external, while receiving guidance and support from school and leaders of the Venture Scout Unit.
Venture Scout Epaulette Camp: Strengthening Skills and Building Friendships
In October 2023, our Unit collaborated with the 6th KGVSU (Diocesan Boys’ School) to host the Venture Scout Epaulette Camp, where members learned and reinforced camping skills, first aid, map reading, and outdoor survival knowledge. This initiative fostered active exchanges and allowed participants to make new friends, yielding significant benefits.
Christmas Celebration: A Time for Fellowship
In December 2023, the Unit organized our annual Christmas Party, bringing members together to enjoy food, drinks, and meaningful conversations. Held in the warmth of a classroom during the cold winter months, this event was an opportunity to strengthen relationships and exchange gifts, reflecting the spirit of companionship and shared memories.
Environmental Stewardship: Beach Cleanup Initiative
Our Venture Scouts are also committed to community and environmental issues. In March 2024, we joined forces with the 97th ISCOY (True Light Middle School) for a beach cleanup at Stanley, contributing to environmental conservation and demonstrating our dedication to the well-being of our local community.
Expanding Networks: Hexa Backwoods Fun Day
Hexa is a joint unit program comprising six different units and companies, which organizes various activities for Venture Scouts, expanding social networks and promoting collaboration. In May 2024, our unit worked with the 31st ISCOY (St. Francis’ Canossian College) to host the Hexa Backwoods Fun Day at Aberdeen Country Park. Participants savored delightful backwoods cuisine, including egg waffles, roasted chicken, and pineapple rice, while enjoying the company of scouts from other units.
Joint Unit Campfire: Showcasing Talent and Unity
One of the annual highlights for our Venture Scouts is the Joint Unit Campfire, where various scout groups showcase their talents through games, theatrical performances, and stunning stage acts. This year, we partnered with the 10th IRGSU (Sacred Heart Canossian College) to execute the campfire in July 2024. After a year of meticulous preparation, the campfire featured an impressive drama and performances. The theme of “Fire” was represented through a birdcage design, symbolizing the feeling of being “trapped by emotions” and facing “inner demons and challenges”, leaving an indelible impact on all who attended.
Reviving Tradition: Carlton Trophy Success
As Hong Kong scouting emerges from the post-pandemic period, the traditional scoutcraft competition was resumed in 2024. Our Troop entered two teams in the Carlton Trophy Competition for district and regional selections. On 3 – 4 February, 2024, 14 scouts competed in the district selection, with one team earning 3rd place. This success led to our Troop representing the district in the regional selection in March and April 2024, where we achieved 4th place overall. Congratulations to our dedicated scouts and the trainer team, including our venture scouts and leaders!
Festive Cheer: Memorable Christmas Celebration
To celebrate the festive season and provide a relaxing break after the mid-year examinations, we hosted a Christmas Celebration on 23 December 2023. Scouts enjoyed engaging party games and delicious snacks prepared by our leaders. The event reached its peak with an exciting lucky-draw session, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. All members left the celebration with festive spirits, ready to enjoy the Christmas holiday to the fullest.
Wild Camping Adventures: Strengthening Skills and Camaraderie
Wild camping remains a cornerstone of our Troop’s training. This academic year, we organized two unforgettable camping journeys. The Lunar New Year Camp on 16 – 18 February 2024 at Pak Sha Wan T.W.C. Sea Activity Centre, where scouts built their own campsites, cooked their meals, and enjoyed activities like campfires and city chasing.
Later, the Summer Camp held on 9 – 11 August 2024 at Shatin Scout Centre gave scouts the opportunity to connect with nature, despite the summer heat. Highlights included thrilling night walks and new outdoor experiences that fostered resilience and deepened friendships among our scouts.
Conquering the Waters: Kayak 3-Star Certificate Training
Expanding our horizons beyond land, our Troop organized a Kayak 3-Star Certificate Training Course in August and September 2024. Under the expert guidance of Mr. Roy CHAN, our Assistant Venture Scout Leader, scouts learned essential kayaking techniques and canoe control. Despite the extreme summer heat, all participants thrived, enjoying their time on the water and mastering new aquatic skills. Well done to our enthusiastic kayakers!
